Graduates
Welcome Starr King Graduates!
You’ve reached the hub for all graduate-relevant news, events, and resources. Use the quick links below or scroll down for more information.
Graduate Association
Did you know that as a graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, you’re automatically a member of the Graduate Association? The Starr King Graduate Association does not collect dues therefore making it accessible to all our beloved grads.
The Graduate Association Executive Team meet regularly to discuss graduate engagement, event/meeting plans, how they can support the work of the school, and more. You can contact the Graduate Association at alumni@sksm.edu. Access the bylaws using the button below or find meeting minutes in the SKSM Grad Association LinkedIn group.
Rev. Cassandra Howe – President
Cassie is taking a break from professional ministry to be a stay at home mom for her three children in Asheville, NC. When she is not reading to them on their cozy couch by their woodfire stove, she is organizing and agitating to make the world a better place. She has recently rediscovered her competitive spirit and is swimming in a masters (as in old, not necessarily excellent) swim team. This is her third year on SKSM’s Grad Association’s Board, and her first as President. She marvels at the fact that, even though all of her contact with Starr King is online, there is still the same old feeling of radical trust and love for humanity that she experienced in her on-site SKSM experience in the early 2000’s.
Jennifer Springsteen – Vice President
Visit her at https://jenniferspringsteen.com.
Rev. Heather Rion Starr – Secretary
Rev. Heather Rion Starr (Secretary) is in her 20th year of professional ministry and still finding it engaging, challenging, and meaningful (honestly: never a dull moment!). She is the UU parish Minister in Southern Delaware and welcomes you all to come visit! She and her spouse, Cathy Rion Starr (SKSM Grad as well) live with their 2 school-age children and terrier mix rescue in Milton, Delaware. She has been savoring attending Quaker meeting every morning through Pendle Hill online and also took the opportunity of a fall 2025 sabbatical to take SKSM’s Revolutionary Witchcraft course with Rev. Pamela Hancock. (Let this be a special “shout-out” to her SKSM student cohort in that class, and enormous thanks to Rev. Pamela.) This is Heather’s last of 6 years on the SKSM Grad Association Exec and she would love to talk with anyone interested in the role of Secretary to start in August 2026.
Rev. Merida Wilson – Member-at-Large
Rev. Merida Wilson (member-at-large) is an SKSM graduate (MDiv/MA). She currently serves in the heart of San Francisco at the Chinese Congregational Church SF, bringing a compassionate presence to her urban ministry. As a lifelong learner, Merida recently trained with the Interim Ministry Network to better walk alongside communities during seasons of transition and change. Whether she is teaching, providing chaplaincy, or leading, she is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and bias-awareness, creating spaces where everyone truly belongs. Her time at SKSM was a foundational step in her journey, and she loves staying connected to the school’s vibrant, evolving legacy!
Rev. Gregory Cline – Member-at-Large
Rev. Gregory Cline (member-at-large) is a graduate of SKSM and the Chaplaincy Institute. Greg was ordained as an interfaith minister and chaplain by the Chaplaincy Institute and has been granted preliminary fellowship by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Greg works in Charlotte, NC, as the staff chaplain for the Levine Cancer Institute. He has also received his Board Certification as Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains. Greg serves as the community minister for the Unitarian Universalist Church of Catawba Valley. And most recently, he is serving as Chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol. Greg is married to Angela, and their two pets, Maggie (dog) and Naja (cat), round out their family. Greg feels that attending Starr King provided him a safe place to stretch his spiritual and social activist muscles after transitioning from his first career. The support he received from classmates and educators provided him with the confidence to embrace his calling.
Upcoming Events
The are currently no Starr King graduate-specific events coming up. Check out the full calendar here.
Recent Events
The most recent Starr King Graduate Association Annual Business Meeting took place on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm PT/4:00 pm ET.
After a welcome and greetings from outgoing Graduate Association President Rev. Zeb Green and chalice lighting from outgoing VP/newly elected President Rev. Cassie Howe, Rev. Zeb provided an update on recent efforts of the Association, including establishing a mentorship program with current students called Discernment Partners.
A new slate of officers was elected, with Rev. Heather Rion Starr continuing as Secretary until 2026. Some positions are still available. Please contact Rev. Cassie or fill out the form below if you’re interested in serving the Graduate Association.
- President: Rev. Cassie Howe (2009)
- Vice President: Rev. Jennifer Springsteen (2023)
- Secretary: Rev. Heather Rion Starr (2005)
Attendees also heard from new Starr King President, Dr. Stephanie Krusemark. Dr. Krusemark provided an update on the state of the school and theological education overall.
Fill out the form below to make sure we have your current contact information or if you’re interested in getting involved!
Stay Connected
From attending events to mentoring students to sharing your story, there are many ways to stay connected to Starr King and the community of graduates and friends. Check out some options to the right and fill out the form below. Keeping your contact information up to date is the easiest way to assure you’re among the first to receive Starr King news.
Grad Group & Social Media
Share Your
Story
Mentorship Opportunities
Connect with us on social media @SKSMsocial
Join the Starr King Graduate Association LinkedIn group to stay up to date with news and events, as well as connect with fellow grads. Update your colleagues, start conversations, or share resources and opportunities!
You can also follow and engage with us on social media: Bluesky, LinkedIn, TikTok, & YouTube. We regularly share information on news, upcoming events, courses, and more. Fun fact: simple acts of liking and commenting on our posts will make our content appear in more feeds, therefore expanding our reach!
Share your story and inspire others
We always welcome graduate support for our advancement and marketing efforts. Sharing your story is a simple way you can support our work and inspire prospective students and donors. Options include guest blog posts, videos, interviews, features, and more. Tell us you’re interested by emailing us or filling out the form to the left.
Mentor a current Starr King student
We’re currently exploring the possibility of establishing a program for Starr King graduates to mentor current students. We’re in the early stages of this work, so please let us know if you would be interested in participating. Email us at alumni@sksm.edu or fill out the form to the left.
Jobs, Internships, & Opportunities
| Title | Organization | Location | Contact | More Info | Closing Date |
| Business Manager, Operations and Transformation | Unitarian Universalist Association | Remote | careers@uua.org | CLICK | Open Until Filled |
| Disability Justice Associate | Unitarian Universalist Association | Remote | careers@uua.org | CLICK | Open Until Filled |
| Staff Chaplain | Unitarian Universalist Association | Remote | careers@uua.org | CLICK | Open Until Filled |
| Bodily Autonomy Organizer | Unitarian Universalist Association | Remote | careers@uua.org | CLICK | Open Until Filled |
| Credentialing Administrator | Unitarian Universalist Association | Remote | careers@uua.org | CLICK | Open Until Filled |
| Ethics and Safety Systems Manager | Unitarian Universalist Association | Remote | careers@uua.org | CLICK | Open Until Filled |
| Congregational Life Field Staff – Resident | Unitarian Universalist Association | Remote within MidAmerica Region | careers@uua.org | CLICK | Open Until Filled |
| Clara Barton Intern | Unitarian Universalist Association | Remote | careers@uua.org | CLICK | Open Until Filled |
| Pulpit Support Ministers | Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Santa Cruz County | Greater SF Bay Area | Bob Campbell |
Other Resources
Graduate Discount
Are you interested in taking more courses at Starr King? Our graduates are eligible to take a Starr King course as a Special Student and to apply one free credit per year to the cost of a Starr King course. Access to the course is subject to space availability and instructor approval. Check out our course schedule here.
WEAV
In the Spring of 2023, Starr King launched the pilot program of our Educating to Counter Oppressions and Create Just and Sustainable Communities model for congregations and communities – WEAV. WEAV is a 10-module small group ministry program designed to inspire participants as agents of sacred social change. WEAV stands for Who and What are UUs? Embodied Justice, Advocacy, and Vision. Learn more.
What other resources would you like to see here? Let us know by emailing us at alumni@sksm.edu.